I was wondering how to make an easy waterfall for not alot of money. I'm thinking about putting in a pond this spring but don't have alot of money and after seeing how expensive the pre-made ones are...... :blink:

I paid guys to put in my big pond and waterfall but still have to play with the rocks as it settles over time. The main thing is that if you line the entire area where the waterfall is going to go, then at least you shouldn't lose water if the rocks aren't placed just so. Some water may flow under the rocks like with my pond but that just effects the view and not the pond itself. Test the waterfall area with the liner before you set any rocks. Run a hose of water over it or run the top of the falls (pump or filter outpet) to be sure it all goes into the pond and not off the sides. You can make support shelves under the liner in the dirt to hold the larger waterfall rocks. Then, once those are placed on top of the liner, those larger rocks in turn support the smaller rocks and gravel. To create small pools within the waterfall or stream system, you can use an extra scrap of liner to make a bowl among some rocks. As long as some water trickles into that, it would then pool and flow out the lowest corner. Waterfall building can be challenging so good luck!

Thanls for your advice Robyn

Hi pondlvr

Good to hear your going to put in a pond this summer.How big is it going to be?What is the landscaping like in your yard?I ask this because maybe you have large rocks or hills that you can use to start your waterfall.
Robyn is right about the waterfall being the most challenging part of the whole pond.I think I have change mine 3 times now and I am planing on changing it again this summer.As far as the cost ,it hasn't cost me anything to build it.Just a lot of hard work moving rocks and dirt.I did have to buy the liner for it.
If you look on Robyn's showcase maybe you will get some ideas there.It's fun to see what other members have done in large and small spaces.
My first attempts at the waterfall.







swampview

Thanks so much Swampview for your advice. I havent decided exactly how big it will be, but I think I will use a pre-formed pond. The place where I will be putting it is between a shed and a veggie garden. I am starting from scratch, meaning it is a small little patch of weeds right now.

I am glad to see I am not the only one having problems with the waterfall. I just hooked mine up today & noticed I'm down a bit of water. I was hoping of an easier way to set the waterfall but I guess more rocks & patience will be needed :0) I believe the problem is at the tiers. There is a bit of water going down behind & off to the sides. I'll have to get up in there & pay around some more.

Tiia

Pndlvr,

Use lots of liner, bring it up high on the sides, run the pump to test for water flow/overflow before you start laying rocks. It's also not a bad idea to keep the pump running while laying the rock. Place the biggest rock first, followed by medium, then smallest last.

I have pics of the process, unfortunately I'm at work and can't get to photobucket anymore to post them. I'll try and send them to you on a pm; maybe you can post for me/others.

John

Pondlvr, looks like you're not registered; at least I can't find an email address for you.

I'll send them to Robyn; maybe she'll post. She's been wanting some pics from me anyway.

Here are Johnnyboy's photos:

Thanks, Robyn.

Johnny wanted me to put in some more photos so here they are.

Robyn, I meant the "John's Pond" page.

Thanks anyway.

I put the photos on there too.

Sweet! Danke!! :D

Wow, that is beautiful Johnny boy, did you do it yourself?? Either way, nice job!

Thanks MaryAnne! :D :D

Yup, designed and built it myself, with engineering support from aquascapes. Of course also had help from my Son, Wife (kept us watered, fed, and our wounds clean), and few buds stopping by for a cold one from time to time. Labor for beer type thing. All by hand. The only equipmet were the dump trucks that delivered the rock.